YOU are more beautiful than you think . . . .

Watch as this forensic artist draws how women see themselves vs. how others see them. It is the sad truth that if we feel we don't live up to what society believes is beautiful, it comes through as a negative self image.  Thank you DOVE for conducting this wonderful social experiment, and I hope that more women begin to realize just how beautiful they really are. 

You really are
more beautiful
than you think. 

Happy Friday, my friends!

Have a lovely weekend!

(and, behave!)

xo

Let it go . . . .

Hello friends! I hope you are settling into the New Year, and approaching it with hope and optimism. You have new aspirations for yourself, right? A personal goal? Here's something you can do for yourself that will move you towards your own goals faster than any other motivator. Not only that, but it will free your mind and open your heart more than you can imagine. 

If you are holding on to hate, anger or resentment, it can prevent you from moving forward in your life. Freeing your mind from these ugly emotions will leave room in your heart and mind for you to embrace new possibilities. If you are cluttering your mind with hurtful feelings, it is you who is quite possibly sabotaging your own goals. It clouds the mind! Do it for YOU! When you hold on to hurtful feelings, it is you who suffers. Do not allow the offender to continue to have this hold on you any longer. Do it for your own well being. Holding on to resentment is destructive, and you have the power to stop the ongoing pain, anger or hurt. Let it go! It will do more for your mind, body & spirit than a year's worth of therapy! Forgiveness does not mean that you are wrong, or the other person is right. It simply means that you have made a decision to stop letting it eat away at your soul. Think of it as today's gift to yourself. 

Via Real Simple

Make an effort to connect . . . .

In my mind, there is no substitute for an amazing conversation with someone whom you feel a connection. The benefits feed my soul in a way that is irreplaceable. It truly is priceless. I had a lovely conversation with a friend last night about this very topic.........what it means to have meaningful relationships. We both realize the importance of taking a closer look, and making an effort to nurture those connections.  You have to be willing to open your heart, however, to get there. It's easy to make small talk, right? Shallow acquaintances are around every corner, and at every holiday party, but they usually leave us with little or no lasting worth. Healthy, caring relationships can give our lives immeasurable joy and meaning. Like most things with value in life, these relationships must be sought and maintained deliberately. Are you willing to make a conscious effort to develop meaningful relationships? Open your mind to the possibilities! We have a chance to learn something from everyone we meet. What a gift! Life moves so quickly.....so make time for those who make you laugh, pay attention to what they value, then make an effort to connect with them on that level. 

I read an article online about the misnomer of how easy it was to "keep in touch" with people these days on Facebook, via email or texting. But the truth is, it's not the same as real time. Replacing face-to-face or voice-t0-voice time with brief contacts online does not make up for real time together. Reach out. Make the effort to have friends and meaningful relationship. For me, it is the key to my happiness and well being. 

"For those who are willing to make an effort, great miracles and wonderful treasures are in store."

-Isaac Bashevis Singer

Make it Count! . . . .

Happy Friday, my friends!

A gracious heart . . . .

Hello friends!  May I share something very special with you? I am so incredibly happy to tell you that I was able to spend an evening with someone that I "met" via blogging 3 years ago. I've been following a lovely blog out of South Africa, that is designed and written by Lana Kenney, called lanaloustyle.com..............

Lana is a Cape Town resident, an amazing photographer, a talented designer, and she has a beautiful blog. She is the reason that I am in Cape Town, South Africa at the moment. Lana blogs about her hometown, and the beautiful surroundings in which she lives. She features and photographs hotels, restaurants, shops and the pure beauty of this area. (As I mentioned, she is also a designer, so you will find plenty of beautiful posts on home decor, fashion & color.) Reading her blog was the very reason that I decided to make it a priority to visit Cape Town. 

It is stunning! Its beauty is breathtaking. The people are incredibly kind. The food is exquisite, ........and last night, I had the honor of spending the evening with Lana. She was so gracious to pick us up at our hotel, then accompany us to 2 fabulous restaurants. We went for a sundowner at The Leopard Bar at The Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa. This place is beautiful and has received endless awards. Afterwards we worked our way to Kitima for dinner .... another restaurant that is draped in awards. It was fabulous as well, but getting to know Lana was the bonus. She is truly one of the sweetest people you could wish to meet. It is obvious that she loves her hometown, and enjoys sharing it with the world. So don't be afraid to reach out! You never know when the person on the other end will respond in such a gracious way. 

We talked afterwards, and both realized that we parted without taking a photo. We were so preoccupied, we completely forgot. (I told her it was a sign of a successful evening.) 

When you get a minute, check out Lana's blog.

"If a woman be gracious and courteous to strangers, it shows she is a citizen of the world, and that her heart is no island cut off from other lands, but a continent that joins them."

-Francis Bacon Sr.

Just a side note.......

Earlier this year, I received an email from Groupon Getaways featuring this trip to Cape Town. I immediately contacted Lana about it because I wanted to make sure it was a worthy one. I emailed her, asking her advice on the activities and the accommodations that were being offered in the package. Her quick response made me realize that this was a trip that I didn't want to miss. So at the moment, I'm half way through the most amazing adventure I could imagine. My friend and I were not sure what to expect, but I have to say that our expectations have been exceeded. Groupon was great to work with, answered questions promptly, and even with a sense of humor. We literally saved thousands of dollars on this trip. Check them out!

Via

Notes from The Universe